Madeline a Category 4 hurricane as it heads toward Hawaii

 Hurricane Madeline has grown to a dangerous Category Four storm as it heads toward Hawaii, US weather officials said Tuesday, warning of dangerous flash floods and mudslides from its lashing winds and rain.

The storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 130 miles (215 kilometers) per hour is expected to pass near Hawaii's Big Island sometime Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Madeline threatens to disrupt a planned visit by President Barack Obama and other dignitaries to Hawaii for the World Conservation Congress, a major meeting of thousands of delegates, including heads of state, scientists and policy makers.